Wrongful Death

The death of a loved one is one of the most devastating times in a person’s or family’s life. When a loved one dies because of another party’s negligence or the direct actions of another party, matters become even worse. As a family member or spouse, you can demand justice for the deceased. Closure, justice and financial compensation can all be sought with the help of an experienced wrongful death attorney.

How Wrongful Deaths Occur

When a death occurs that was a direct result of another person’s actions or negligence, the death was wrongful. This entitles the family of the deceased the ability to seek monetary compensation for a loved one. While money will not bring a family member back, it will provide financial relief and ensure that justice is served for the wrongs that were committed. If death was caused in a workplace or a commercial setting, your claim may make vital changes that protect others from suffering the same fate.

Wrongful death can occur in many different situations. These occurrences include:

Malpractice: Medical malpractice, whether a doctor, emergency room worker or anesthesiologist, is a common cause for wrongful death. Misdiagnosis, prescribing improper medication or discharging a patient before they should be could be cause for a wrongful death lawsuit.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Accidents that result in death often include automobiles. Driving recklessly, drinking and driving and breaking laws are often all that is needed to prove wrongful death.

The above are just two of the main reasons for wrongful death among many other potential causes.

Wrongful Death Compensation

Compensation can be sought by remaining family members or the heirs of the deceased’s estate. The compensation received can come from a variety of sources. This includes:

The person that caused the accident

The manufacturer or distributor of a product or part that malfunctioned

If negligence occurred and more than one party was involved, all parties can be held liable. For instance, if a drunk driver hit and killed your loved one, you can seek compensation from the following parties:

The driver

The person that served alcohol to the driver

The owner who owns the bar where the alcohol was served

Understanding and holding all parties responsible will take the assistance of a seasoned lawyer that has experience dealing with wrongful death claims, like the wrongful death attorneys at Martin & Lerda.

If your loved one has died abruptly and it could have been avoided, give us a call today. Your initial consultation on wrongful death cases is always free. We will take the time to walk you through the entire process answering any questions you might have while helping you build your case so that you can finally have closure.

Martin & Lerda has offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and North Apollo, Pennsylvania, and serves clients in the Mon Valley region and throughout Western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Monroeville, Penn Hills, McKeesport, Greensburg, New Kensington, Murrysville, Vandergrift, Kittanning, Leechburg, McMurray, Johnstown, Altoona, Erie, Waynesburg, and the area of New Castle, Pennsylvania; as well asMercer County, Fayette County, Armstrong County, Washington County, Beaver County, Westmoreland County, Butler County, Indiana County, Allegheny County, and Greene County.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.